A tailored course, built for your situation
Deeper command of the PCI DSS control framework for software teams
Master the structure, intent, and implementation logic behind PCI DSS to lead secure software delivery with confidence
$199 one-time
24-hour access provisioning
30-day money-back guarantee
Hand-built implementation playbook
12 modules. 12 chapters per module. 144 chapters total.
12 modules, each with 12 chapters (144 chapters total), text-based, plus downloadable templates and a hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access.
Compliance fatigue from inconsistent interpretations of PCI DSS requirements
The situation this course is for
Teams default to over-scoping or under-scoping PCI DSS controls because they lack a unified, internal command of the framework. This leads to rework, audit surprises, and strained collaboration between developers and assessors.
Who this is for
Software engineers and technical leads responsible for designing or maintaining systems that process, store, or transmit cardholder data and need to confidently interpret and apply PCI DSS requirements
Who this is not for
Compliance officers focused solely on audit preparation, non-technical managers, or consultants looking for generic checklists
What you walk away with
- Internalize the hierarchical structure and intent of all 12 PCI DSS requirements
- Map specific code and architecture decisions directly to control objectives
- Differentiate between explicit mandates and implementation flexibility in the standard
- Respond to peer or reviewer challenges with precise references and examples
- Anticipate assessor expectations based on framework patterns and commentary
The 12 modules (with all 144 chapters)
Module 1. Understanding the PCI DSS scope framework
Define cardholder data environment boundaries with precision using data flow analysis and segmentation logic recognized by QSA firms
12 chapters in this module
- What constitutes primary account number exposure
- Truncated vs masked vs encrypted data handling
- Identifying in scope systems and people
- Network segmentation that meets DSS 1 2 3
- How virtualization affects scope
- Tokenisation boundary considerations
- Third party processor responsibilities
- Cloud service co ownership models
- Data lifecycle from capture to disposal
- Logging requirements for scoped systems
- Common scope expansion pitfalls
- Self assessment scoping shortcuts
Module 2. Building firewall configuration policies
Create default deny rulesets that satisfy DSS 1 while supporting agile development workflows
12 chapters in this module
- Standard rule set templates for PCI
- Change management for firewall updates
- Default deny principles in practice
- Remote access control mechanisms
- Router configuration hardening
- Cloud based WAF mappings
- Logging rule changes automatically
- Time bound access patterns
- Segregation of duties for rule changes
- QSA expectations for rule documentation
- Firewall policy review frequency
- Dual control implementation options
Module 3. Secure account management practices
Implement DSS 2 compliant password policies without hindering developer velocity
12 chapters in this module
- Multi factor authentication use cases
- Password complexity definitions
- Account lockout threshold settings
- Service account handling rules
- User provisioning workflows
- Privileged access review process
- Role based access control design
- Session timeout durations
- Credential storage dos and donts
- Just in time access integration
- Password rotation myths and facts
- Shared account auditing methods
Module 4. Encryption of stored cardholder data
Apply DSS 3 requirements to database design and storage architecture with minimal performance impact
12 chapters in this module
- Identifying stored PAN locations
- Encryption vs tokenisation trade offs
- Key management best practices
- Data masking in non production
- Database activity monitoring setup
- Application level encryption options
- HSM integration patterns
- Key rotation schedules
- Key storage separation rules
- Cryptographic algorithm standards
- Legacy system migration paths
- QA environment data sanitization
Module 5. Encryption during transmission
Design secure data flows across networks and services in line with DSS 4 expectations
12 chapters in this module
- TLS version requirements
- Certificate validation procedures
- Secure API call patterns
- Message level vs transport level
- Wire encryption for microservices
- Client certificate usage
- VPN vs SSH tunnel choices
- Wi Fi security for POS devices
- End to end encryption design
- Mutual authentication setup
- Session resumption risks
- Perfect forward secrecy implementation
Module 6. Use of anti malware solutions
Deploy host and network level protections that satisfy DSS 5 without blocking CI CD pipelines
12 chapters in this module
- Malware definition for PCI scope
- Signature based detection rules
- Heuristic analysis exceptions
- File integrity monitoring alerts
- Endpoint protection for developers
- Container scanning integration
- Automated threat response actions
- Log correlation across systems
- False positive handling procedures
- Whitelisting approved tools
- Ransomware protection layers
- Zero day mitigation planning
Module 7. Secure system development lifecycle
Embed DSS 6 controls into CI CD pipelines and code review practices
12 chapters in this module
- Code review checklist for PCI
- Static analysis rule sets
- Dynamic testing automation
- Secure coding standards library
- Change approval workflows
- Backdoor prevention techniques
- Web application firewall tuning
- Input validation patterns
- Error handling without data leaks
- Session management in APIs
- Authentication bypass testing
- Secure configuration templates
Module 8. Access control system design
Architect least privilege access models that meet DSS 7 and scale across cloud environments
12 chapters in this module
- Principle of least privilege definition
- Role definition process
- Attribute based access control
- Just in time elevation workflows
- Time bound permissions
- Access review automation
- Segregation of duties rules
- Emergency access procedures
- Logging access changes
- Cloud IAM policy structure
- Federated identity mapping
- Audit trail completeness
Module 9. Physical access controls
Understand how physical security in colocation and cloud environments affects PCI compliance
12 chapters in this module
- Data center access logs
- Mantrap entry procedures
- Visitor escort policies
- Camera coverage expectations
- Media storage security
- Disposal of physical media
- Cloud provider responsibilities
- Remote hands protocols
- Cage vs shared rack
- Physical intrusion detection
- Shredding certifications
- On site audit preparation
Module 10. Logging and monitoring systems
Implement DSS 10 controls that generate useful audit trails without overwhelming storage
12 chapters in this module
- Event types to log by default
- Centralized log aggregation
- Clock synchronization setup
- Log retention periods
- Immutable logging options
- Automated anomaly detection
- Alert threshold settings
- Incident response triggers
- Chain of custody documentation
- Log review frequency
- Timezone consistency
- Correlation across tools
Module 11. Regular security testing
Integrate DSS 11 controls like scanning and penetration testing into development cycles
12 chapters in this module
- Internal vulnerability scanning
- External scanning providers
- Penetration test frequency
- Application layer testing scope
- Network layer testing depth
- Remediation tracking workflow
- False positive triage process
- Automated rescan procedures
- Segregated test environments
- Third party tester qualifications
- Executive summary content
- Follow up response timelines
Module 12. Information security policy framework
Create living documentation that satisfies DSS 12 and supports team onboarding
12 chapters in this module
- Policy vs standard vs procedure
- Annual review process
- Acceptable use policy content
- Information classification schema
- Vendor risk assessment process
- Employee training requirements
- Phishing simulation frequency
- Security incident reporting
- Policy distribution methods
- Role based training paths
- Third party attestation
- Policy exception management
How this maps to your situation
- System redesign involving CDE boundary changes
- Preparation for Level 1 merchant assessment
- Cloud migration with payment processing
- Post breach security overhaul
What's included with your purchase
- 12 modules with 12 chapters each (144 chapters)
- Downloadable templates and worked examples for every module
- Hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Delivery and format
- Course and learning environment access provisioned within 24 hours of purchase
- Hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access
Format: Text-based modules and chapters in the Art of Service learning environment, plus downloadable templates and worked examples for every chapter, plus the hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access.
Time investment: Approximately 90 minutes per module, designed to be completed alongside active projects
If nothing changes
Continued dependency on compliance teams slows development velocity, increases audit risk, and limits technical leadership opportunities in security-critical projects
How this compares to the alternatives
Unlike generic compliance training, this course focuses on the actual implementation logic and developer-level decisions behind PCI DSS, with concrete code and architecture examples instead of abstract theory
Frequently asked
Who is this course designed for?
Software developers and technical leads who work on systems handling cardholder data and want to deeply understand how to implement PCI DSS controls correctly and efficiently
How is the course structured?
12 modules, each containing 12 chapters (144 chapters total).
Does this cover the latest version of PCI DSS?
Yes, the course is aligned with PCI DSS v4.0, including both transitional guidance and long term requirements
$199 one-time. Approximately 90 minutes per module, designed to be completed alongside active projects.
Within 24 hours your account in the learning environment is provisioned and the tailored implementation playbook is delivered alongside it.
30-day money-back guarantee·
144 chapters·
Hand-built playbook included·
Account access within 24 hours